literature
Whether written centuries ago or just last year, literary couples show that love is timeless.
The detour
As I lay still listening to my alarm clock constantly ring, I continue to hit snooze. I can hear the rain hitting my window and the lighting flashing in my room. What a great night to call out of work but I couldn’t afford another day off. So, I quickly begin to put on my uniform for work. I hated my apartment as much as working as a waitress. My apartment was a small studio. I dreamed of a two bedroom just for the extra space. I walked the same direction to work everyday but today was different. I decided to detour because the rain caused a flood my original way. The detour only added 5 minutes to my journey. This road seemed foggy and spooky but I had no faster way to work. Walking as fast as I could because I couldn’t see what was ahead from the fog. Boom, bam, splat. I hit a pole so hard I tumbled into a tree. Searching for my glasses, I came across a little black book. The cover only read “ Little black book.” I begin to laugh thinking what gentleman possibly dropped his ladies book full of numbers. I peeked inside and pop! A big powerful powder smacked me in the face. Omg! I screamed. Someone was such a prankster. I was now madder then I was for fallen. I am now late! I screamed. This would be the worst night. As I finally got to work my night begin to become better. My tables were full of people. All I can say was I was bout make many tips. My boss yelled “Sarah, someone left something for you.” I go to the back to see and it’s the little black book I found and left in the grass. Who following me? Who playing games? How they know where I work? Why did they want me to have it? So many thoughts ran through my head. Nervous and scared I go back to the front. I worked all night and then realized I never opened the book again. After counting my tips. I grabbed the little black book before opening it i held it away from my face. If this book do another trick I will find the owner and slap them. I quickly opened the book and it was a note. It read “ Take the same direction home.” Now that’s spooky. I’m thinking I will definitely take the opposite direction. I left the book at work and started walking home. Oh, I definitely walked the opposite direction. As I walked what do I see. The little black book by a tree. Why is this book now following me or who following me. I’m so curious I just got to look again. As I walk to the book and proceed to open it a briefcase was beside it. I opened the little black book first and inside was a note. The note read “ You deserve all blessings and it started with this book. Imagine if you never took a look. Now it’s a briefcase with something green to get you many things.” I opened the briefcase and I couldn’t believe what I saw. Omg! 20,000 dollars! I didn’t know what to do. I ran home and my husband was sitting at the table smiling. He said did you find your treasure? It’s just enough for whatever you want!
What’s Your Bookish Love Language?
It’s almost a quarter of a century since Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages was published, and the book has helped countless couples understand each other better. The idea is that we all have certain ways we naturally prefer to receive love, and we sometimes assume, without even realising we are assuming it, that the people in our lives long for the same things we do — whether that’s regular date nights, long letters of appreciation, or small but thoughtful gifts. We may think we are giving love, but they may not feel they are receiving it — and vice versa. Since the original book, there have been various other editions published, to help us love our kids, our teens, and our friends, in the way that they receive love best.
Claire Amy HandscombePublished 3 years ago in HumansMs. Bellager's Love
While walking through the park I noticed a woman hunched over on a nearby bench. I asked if she was okay, the conversation and the day that followed, you will never believe.
Ebony SimpsonPublished 3 years ago in HumansBlack Depth
The darkness echoed in hymn. The sadness in its song, the longing. It reached out into the abyss hoping to be found, to be noticed. It had looked a sorry sight when I found it, a most peculiar finding. I felt an overwhelming ache in my ribcage, that crawled between my bones and pressed softly against my chest. But I couldn’t take my eyes away, not even for a second. It was there, on the ground. Some decaying leaves had covered the corners with their skeleton veins and it had a tear down the side, as if it had been thrown so violently away that I could almost feel its sorrow pulse through the veins in my wrists. Rejected by its owner. I knelt down in the dust, the ash. The fire had stopped burning yesterday and the only thing that could be found through the greying haze of a once beautiful blaze was this. This small black book that looked like coal and ruin. Its pages were held together protectively by a single elastic strap.
Beca HarrisPublished 3 years ago in HumansTrist of a Tale
The light gently showed through the rust-colored leaves above my head, the crisp wind flinging the loose leaves into the air and out of view. I could hear the other children laughing in the background along with Durn’s hammer striking an iron tool of some sort, driving his hammer rhythmically onto the metal, sharply ringing through the air. Although I should be brushing out the horses’ manes, the breeze called to me, and before I knew it I was resting beneath the big oak by Marion’s place. My eyes grew ever heavier and I felt my view of the sky disappear under my eyelids.
Michael GaydosPublished 3 years ago in HumansTrinity
George avoided his father’s workshop for as long as possible. Upon entering it was even more miserable than he’d expected. Something must have died amongst the wildlife and detritus, and he could smell it thickly in his nostrils. In good weather the conservatory walls brought it light, but now the grey sky closed oppressively above him, and the grass lay soggy and wilting outside, seemingly less green than usual. The rain hammering migraine-inducingly against the glass walls, dripping off the sloping roof like waterfalls.
Cathy DaviesPublished 3 years ago in HumansLittle black book
Hi my name is Alexis Bland. I moved to Hot Lanta a few years ago to start my Million Dollar company. My restaurant which I still own today. I didn’t always have money. I did what any other girl from the hood did schemed, scammed, and stole till one day a girl named Tiffany changed my life. I’m gonna take you guys back a few years ago before I became Ms. Alexis Bland.
Nisha laboyPublished 3 years ago in HumansMysterious Blessings
Under pressure, Sam began drinking again after five years of sobriety. He had hopped from bar to bar over the past three months to drown his sorrows after he and his wife, Stacy, lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The mortgage and other bills kept piling up, and the unemployment checks were meager and sporadic. The financial strain had caused major tension between Sam and Stacy, and she threatened him with divorce once or twice although she hadn’t gone through with filing the papers.
Kyle MosleyPublished 3 years ago in HumansTribulation Enchanted
On a bright Tuesday afternoon, he rolled his eyes, ready to embrace yet another disappointing day of life. Davis Gene made his way through the front door of the apartment, leaving behind the steps that mocked him on his way out. He glanced at his vehicle, a Honda Civic that had been sitting in the same spot for months ever since it became impossible for him to land a job. He drew in a long, frustrated breath as he walked along Chambers Street to the nearest Starbucks, because anything was better than sitting at home, waiting for an opportunity to get a come up as an Instagram phenomenon. Plus, ever since his mother passed away from breast cancer four years prior, he never forgave himself for wasting his time.
Tiffany LintonPublished 3 years ago in HumansI can't wait for life to happen
I’m up. It’s what my internal dialogue always tells me, not what I tell myself. Almost like someone else is telling me what’s happening, my external narrator. Okay so you’re awake, now what. The light is streaming in softly from the vinyl blinds covering my windows. My cell phone is tucked under my pillow, I unplugged it from the charger and check it for the time, it’s a quarter past nine. I try to crawl into the part of my brain that functions to figure out what day of the week it is. After staring at my closet doors for about a minute I finally decide that it’s Thursday. Shakespeare’s sonnets at twelve thirty, followed by eighteenth century gothic literature at three, the latter of the two I’m actually looking forward to. Before even taking this class I already read most of the books on the syllabus; Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a smattering of H.G Wells novels, and some news clippings about Jack the Ripper from the London Daily Post circa 1888. After finally willing myself to sit up and think about my day I turn to my nightstand and pick up my black leather day planner. Flick off the elastic keeper and turn to the current week.
Stephanie Bontorin-StuartPublished 3 years ago in HumansMistaken Windfall
I was jolted awake by the incessant banging on my door. I could hear the deep demanding voice on the other side calling me by name. What day is it? Crap. Friday, March 12th was what my phone displayed. I rubbed the sleep from eyes and threw on my not so plush robe to answer the door. Mr. Parker! I managed a fake smile. " Your rent was due 11 days ago!" Well, good morning to you too! "It's hardly morning Miss Morgan, its almost noon." What! Oh Mr. Parker I have to run. I'm very late for an important meeting! Can't pay the rent without it! I'll get it to you by tomorrow! And with that I slammed the door in his scruffy chubby face and dashed to get my self together.
Her Deserving Day
She woke up this morning with this odd feeling in her gut. The thoughts that roamed through her mind seemed demeaning and unstoppable. The defeat does its absolute best to sink into the core of her heart, yet her soul always stands to survive. Every day she decides to keep going because that’s exactly what life does unapologetically. With some coffee and Mary Jane rolled to slight perfection to start her day, affirmations arise through her throat. Speaking of positivity and good energy to flow within her day no matter the less of it. In her little black book, she wrote down her hopes and dreams, along with her plans of finance. She wrote her feelings down in that same book for every time depression hit, or a new idea came storming through. Many poems stained the sheets along with tears and ink smudges. The little black book held her ultimate truth and power, her personal guide through her roads of this life. Without hesitation the universe spoke very questionably. She realized her time has come when a notification pops up on her phone saying Congratulations! Confused and anxious she opens the tab to learn she has won an outstanding amount of money based on winning a writing challenge she entered months ago. Surprised and filled with emotions she stopped and thanked God for the ultimate blessing. She opened her little black book and expressed every feeling that was valid and crossed off many plans she knew she would execute. To retrieve her prize, she confirmed herself online and was off to prove her identity in person. She decided to talk a walk, listen to her music and vibe along the way since the destination was closer than she expected. Suddenly she gets a text message mid stroll saying, “Hey Queen just was thinking of you hope everything is alright love you”. A genuine smile showed up from ear to ear upon her face. Gratefulness grew within her even more as she replied with a heartfelt thank you of appreciation. She thought of all the ways she could bless those who stayed true. Giving back to those who kept her spirits as light as a feather. Sharing pure joy with those deserving of her time and energy especially. Socially she only tends to share what she feels is necessary to the public. She is a very distant person in general for the sake of her well-being. With every step she took towards the fulfilling destination, she phased through every feeling possible. Deserving, excited, scared and worthy you name it. Her phone suddenly rang with the contact name of “Think twice”. She let the number go to voicemail as she took many breaths. A voicemail was presented on her screen, so she listened. “Hey, I know we had our differences but my love for you has never changed. An apology is a start for me, and I never felt so terrible knowing I hurt someone as special as you. Please call me back” The cold air blew through her sweater stronger than the overthinking hit. Wondering if she shared her secret would it change the way of others. Would many reveal themselves as fraud and unreliable? She looked through many as if they were made of glass and knew not to waste her time. Getting closer to her big prize she paused in her tracks as she saw a mighty tree with flowers around it. She took the opportunity to refresh and renew her energy after all it absorb through her walk. As she sat against the might tree, she inspects how majestic it stood. She analyzed her surroundings and took a deep breath while enjoying her view. In this moment she took out her little black book from her book bag and began to write. “Life has a funny way of reminding you that you are human too. That even in the mist of joy, rain and storms can make a grand entrance. Acceptance is particularly important. Of yourself and of others. It is okay not to be okay but accept those facts and in growth you will proceed in grace. Thank God every chance you wake because any opportunity is better than no opportunity at all. Reach for the stars and feel this embrace because you deserve it. You deserve stability, happiness and pure joy. You are worthy of this moment even when it feels like too much. This is your moment please take your time.” As she affirmed and closed her little black book, she looked up to see her destination. Considering the world, she walked inside happy to be where she is. She was immediately asked for the email and identification. As she hands over her paperwork the man proceeded to take down the information that was given to receive her grand prize. A slim smirk showed on the man’s face as he told her “first door to your right young lady”. Slow and steady she walked through the first door on the right to witness a man and woman sitting at a table with laptops and paperwork at hand. “Well, hello their winner! are you as excited as we are?” said the man. “Absolutely sir!” said the young lady. “Please take a seat dear” said the woman. As she took a seat, before her bottom hit the chair, she let out a sigh of relief. “Well let’s see here, it looks like you’ve won 20,000 dollars for your short story WOW how amazing is that” said the man. “We just have one question before we proceed, what do you plan to do with all this money ma’am?” said the woman. The young lady stared off in the distance for a bit as she collected her thoughts. “A lot of the money will go into my savings for futuristic activity. Aside of the obvious in paying off debts and bills, I plan to give myself the opportunity to accept the fact that I am more able than ever before. I do not plan to be reckless or irresponsible, but I do plan to think twice before making certain decisions with my money. I have never been more grateful for an opportunity like this other than waking up every moment. I’m grateful and would like to thank you for this amazing blessing” She signed all her paperwork for direct deposit and sat and waited for the money to hit her account before leaving. A notification showed from her bank revealing the money being deposited and she immediately put 15,000 into her savings account. As she walked outside, she placed her earphones in her ears while her favorited song played it began to rain. With no umbrella and only a jacket she proceeded to walk with a smile. Through rain or shine it will be done.
Krystal MurphyPublished 3 years ago in Humans